Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool
Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead in what is brewing to be a three-way battle in Group C of the Champions League. However, it won’t be as easy as it sounds, especially with Red Star Belgrade raring to jump into the fray.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have already proven to the Serbian side that they are the superior team, but they know better not to underestimate the wounded beasts who will be backed by a hostile crowd at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
Red Star Belgrade are riding a winning streak at home and in their domestic league, and that should already be a warning for Liverpool that their trip to Serbia won’t be peaceful and relaxing at all.
Talking Points
Attack, attack, attack
Liverpool scored four goals at Anfield in their first meeting with the Star in the tournament, and that will be the main storyline for the team once again as they play the return fixture this midweek.
The Big Three of Liverpool, Sadio Made, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, were all on target in their previous match-up, so most eyes will be on them as they try to give the Merseysiders more cushion in the ultra-tough Group C.
Salah and Mane lead Liverpool in scoring with seven goals each in all competitions. Nonetheless, both players failed to find the back of the net in their latest Premier League match against Arsenal—raising concerns if they can deliver when the going gets tough. Besides, the two also didn’t score in their first two Champions League games against Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli.
In fact, following the Arsenal match, Gunners legend and former England international Martin Keown noted that Salah isn’t the same as last season and seems scared to get hurt.
It’s still up in the air if Liverpool can replicate their earlier success against their opponents, but Klopp will surely need his core players to step up and keep their high-octane offence alive if he wants to achieve that.
Animosity-filled game
While Salah, Mane and Firmino headline the match, another name that could stand out is Xherdan Shaqiri…and not for a good reason.
The Swiss international angered plenty of Serbians when he celebrated a World Cup goal against Serbia by making a double-eagle sign—seemingly a gesture of political provocation from a player of Albanian descent.
Shaqiri is now set for a rude reception in Belgrade, and that should put a huge target on the backs of all the Liverpool players.
There were reports that the 27-year-old Shaqiri was already subjected to racial abuse during their match with Red Star at Anfield, so it’s almost certain that Serbian fans will give Shaqiri a far worse treatment in this return fixture.
Shaqiri already emphasised he can handle the trip, but he might just be getting more than what he expects.
No easy win in Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade are already difficult to beat at home, and the hostile environment should only make things harder for Liverpool.
Vladan Milojevic’s charges are unbeaten on their turf for more than a year now. Most notably, they held Napoli to a goalless draw last September in what was one of the most shocking Champions League 2018 results.
Even more remarkable, Red Star have only conceded five goals in 13 home games (both in the Super Liga and Champions League) this 2018-19 campaign. That run includes eight clean sheets as they continue to be a dominant home squad.
They are also riding a three-game winning streak, which should give the hosts more confidence heading into this game.
History
There isn’t much history between the two teams as their October meeting was the first time after four decades that they played against each other. While Liverpool won their most recent game, Red Star will find some solace from the fact that their previous two competitive matches saw them win—albeit way back in 1973.
Red Star are also undefeated in their last seven European games, with their last defeat coming at the hands of Arsenal in the 2017 Europa League.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been pretty consistent on the road, winning just twice, drawing two and losing one in their last five away fixtures in all competitions.
Betting Tip
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Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool | Red Star Belgrade +1.75 @ 2.13 |
| November 07, 01:55 (GMT+8) |
The Champions League 2018 odds at SBOBET make it clear who is the overwhelming choice to come out on top. Liverpool are the current Premier League leaders, so it’s only right for fans to expect a convincing victory in Serbia.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, Red Star are different beasts at home, and that should be taken into consideration. It is also noticeable that Liverpool aren’t really good dealing with pressure (case in point: 1-0 defeat to Napoli), so it’s hard to rule out a Red Star victory.
I think Liverpool have enough to win here, but I think Red Star will keep it close unlike their previous match-up.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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